Hi Anna, I am traveling to WDW with my family this summer and I am post bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve). Can I pay child price at buffet meals with a letter from my doctor? Does Disney offer any other accommodation for this special need?”

Hi, Rachel! Welcome on the journey to Loserville!

I have always found the restaurants at Walt Disney World to be very accommodating when it comes to guests who have had weight loss surgery. I will say, however, that what they can offer you is up to the discretion of the manager of the individual restaurant. Let your server know that you are gastrically altered, and they can bring the manager to you to discuss the options.

In the past, I've been allowed to pay a child's price for a buffet, but it seems that it may not be an option in many situations. It is difficult for a server to monitor the amount of food you eat, and there are people who try to take advantage It won't hurt to ask, but have a back up plan just in case. In the very early stages when I was on a liquids only diet, some restaurants charged me a nominal fee for "entertainment". Note on your reservations that you have special dietary needs, and a member of the culinary staff can come to your table to discuss some of the menu items and how they may be adapted for your needs. I once had a pasta dish topped with seafood, but they held the pasta and made the tomato sauce a bit soupier for me.

My husband and I still share meals, even though I can eat normally now, and you will find some children's menus that have smaller portions, but still food that is healthy (check out Be Our Guest!). You might also want to check out an appetizer instead of a full entree, or maybe a soup and small salad.

I hope you have a wonderful experience! If you need me, I'm here for you!

Meet the Panelist: Anna, New Jersey

My name is Anna and I am a wife, mother to three daughters and a son-in-law, and earning my Grandmom ears. I'm a law student and former teacher. I have planned vacations for all sorts celebrations, but really enjoy DVC vacations, helping military families, and assisting those with special dietary needs. Learn More About Anna

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